Join us for one of our Trails Open
events this summer and fall at a Conservation Area
near you.
JULY
Tiny Treks
Mountsberg Conservation Area
Conservation Halton
Every Saturday and Sunday to October 31st
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
The perfect outing for you and your little one! From 11am-12pm enjoy crafts and kid friendly treks as we explore Mountsberg's birds, pond, forest and barn yard! Follow up your tiny trek with a romp in the playbarn and then take in a bird of prey show (12pm & 2pm). Tiny treks are suitable for children age 3-7 and their families. Little brothers and sisters are also welcome! This event is free of charge but park entrance fees apply.
Meet at the Visitor Centre, 2259 Millburough Line, Campbellville. GPS Coordinates: 43.463 -80.025
Weekends during July A guided, interpretive hike featuring the caves, kettles, disappearing river and scenic lookout over the Indian River valley. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear for this 2-hour hike (approximately). For further information please visit www.warsawcaves.com or call Warsaw Caves at 1-877-816-7604 or 705-652-3161.
Canoe the Nation Challenge
The Mill Run, The Great Blue Heron Route, The King Fisher Route, Swallow’s Path, and Mallard Way South Nation Conservation
Any day between May 1 and September 17
The South Nation River is excellent for recreational canoeing and kayaking and offers five different canoe/kayak routes that highlight the history and natural features of the South Nation watershed. These routes begin in the village of Spencerville and end in Plantagenet, close in proximity to where the SNR empties into the Ottawa River. This year, we challenge you to paddle the Nation! By yourself or with a group, explore the five canoe and kayak routes that the South Nation River has to offer. Each route takes about a day to complete. To enter the challenge, you must submit a completed Official Log, which can be downloaded from www.nation.on.ca Prizes include paddles, equipment bags, and much more! All entries must be submitted no later than Friday, September 17th, 2010.
Summer Family Programs at Foley Mountain
Foley Mountain Conservation Area
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority Thursdays and Saturdays in July and August
10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Fun for the whole family. Activities are different each week and will investigate a new aspect of the park. For more information go to www.rvca.ca or call Foley Mountain Conservation Area at 613-273-3255. Please meet at 105 Perth Road North off of County Road 10 near Westport, ON.
Mattawa River Canoe Race Pre-Race Hike
Eau Claire Gorge Conservation Area
North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority
Friday, July 23 and 24
9:30 am to 11:30 am
This 1.9 km guided hike features a spectacular waterfall on the Amabel du Fond River in the Eau Claire Gorge. Hike follows an interpretive trail that details the area's rich logging history, including a log slide and loggers cabin. The event coincides with Mattawa Voyageur Days (July 22-25) as well as NBMCA's 64 km Mattawa River Canoe Race (July 24). Meet at Eau Claire Gorge Trail head. From Highway 17 North Bay, travel east towards Mattawa. Turn onto Highway 630 and follow the signs. The entrance to Eau Claire Gorge is on the right hand side) or catch the Hike Bus in Mattawa at the Museum (8:30 am) or the Arena (8:45 am). This event is not wheel chair accessible and the hike is moderately difficult. Bring proper footwear. For more information go to http://www.nbmca.on.ca/site/indexd.asp?id=123
AUGUST
Tiny Treks
Mountsberg Conservation Area
Conservation Halton
Every Saturday and Sunday to October 31st
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
The perfect outing for you and your little one! From 11am-12pm enjoy crafts and kid friendly treks as we explore Mountsberg's birds, pond, forest and barn yard! Follow up your tiny trek with a romp in the playbarn and then take in a bird of prey show (12pm & 2pm). Tiny treks are suitable for children age 3-7 and their families. Little brothers and sisters are also welcome! This event is free of charge but park entrance fees apply. Meet at the Visitor Centre, 2259 Millburough Line, Campbellville. GPS Coordinates: 43.463 -80.025. For information: www.conservationhalton.on.ca
Guided Hikes of the Warsaw Caves
Warsaw Caves Conservation Area and Campground
Otonabee Region Conservation Authority
Weekends during August
A guided, interpretive hike featuring the caves, kettles, disappearing river and scenic lookout over the Indian River valley. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear for this 2-hour hike (approximately). For further information please visit www.warsawcaves.com or call Warsaw Caves at 1-877-816-7604 or 705-652-3161.
Canoe the Nation Challenge
The Mill Run, The Great Blue Heron Route, The King Fisher Route, Swallow’s Path, and Mallard Way South Nation Conservation
Any day between May 1 and September 17
The South Nation River is excellent for recreational canoeing and kayaking and offers five different canoe/kayak routes that highlight the history and natural features of the South Nation watershed. These routes begin in the village of Spencerville and end in Plantagenet, close in proximity to where the SNR empties into the Ottawa River. This year, we challenge you to paddle the Nation! By yourself or with a group, explore the five canoe and kayak routes that the South Nation River has to offer. Each route takes about a day to complete. To enter the challenge, you must submit a completed Official Log, which can be downloaded from www.nation.on.ca Prizes include paddles, equipment bags, and much more! All entries must be submitted no later than Friday, September 17th, 2010.
Summer Family Programs at Foley Mountain
Foley Mountain Conservation Area
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority Thursdays and Saturdays in July and August
10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Fun for the whole family. Activities are different each week and will investigate a new aspect of the park. For more information go to www.rvca.ca or call Foley Mountain Conservation Area at 613-273-3255. Please meet at 105 Perth Road North off of County Road 10 near Westport, ON.
Trails Open at the Nottawasaga Bluffs
Nottawasaga Bluffs Conservation Area
Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority
Sunday, August 15
9:30 am
Join the Blue Mountain Bruce Trail Club for a guided hike along 5 to 8 km of the Bruce Trail that meander through this beautiful conservation area on the Niagara Escarpment. While on the Ian Lang Memorial Trail, you will encounter interpretative signs throughout the old fields and ancient forest that will aid you in taking a trip back in time to appreciate the significance of this area. On the Keyhole Side Trail you will scramble down the slope through large blocks of dolostone rock that have separated from the main Escarpment face. As the name suggests, the trail passes through small crevices and narrow openings in the rock. This is a great place to hike, offering several options in length, difficulty, beauty and views. The pace is easy/moderate and the level of difficulty is moderate (some rocky climbs). Please wear sturdy boots and bring water, a snack, insect repellent and appropriate hiking gear for the weather. The hike will be followed by an optional lunch at Mylar and Loreta's restaurant in Singhampton. Please meet at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot of Mylar and Loreta’s restaurant, which is located on Grey County Road 124 in the village of Singhampton. For more information please go to www.nvca.on.ca. Please pre-register for the hike by August 13th by calling Sue at (705) 445-4751.
The Friends of the Lemoine Point Conservation Area Wildflower Walks
Lemoine Point Conservation Area
Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority
Sunday, August 29 2010
1:00 p.m.
Join the Friends of the Lemoine Point Conservation Area for a guided trail walk to see blooming wildflowers. Spring wildflowers are featured on the June walk; goldenrod and asters are the focus in August. Lemoine Point Conservation Area is 136 hectares of forest, field and marsh, with a spectacular waterfront bordered by Lake Ontario and Collins Bay. The trail is not wheelchair accessible although the degree of difficulty is low for pedestrians. Hikers should bring water. Participants should meet at the north parking lot off Coverdale Drive. For more information go to www.cataraquiregion.on.ca
SEPTEMBER
Tiny Treks
Mountsberg Conservation Area
Conservation Halton
Every Saturday and Sunday to October 31st
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
The perfect outing for you and your little one! From 11am-12pm enjoy crafts and kid friendly treks as we explore Mountsberg's birds, pond, forest and barn yard! Follow up your tiny trek with a romp in the playbarn and then take in a bird of prey show (12pm & 2pm). Tiny treks are suitable for children age 3-7 and their families. Little brothers and sisters are also welcome! This event is free of charge but park entrance fees apply. Meet at the Visitor Centre, 2259 Millburough Line, Campbellville. GPS Coordinates: 43.463 -80.025For information: www.conservationhalton.on.ca
Canoe the Nation Challenge
The Mill Run, The Great Blue Heron Route, The King Fisher Route, Swallow’s Path, and Mallard Way South Nation Conservation
Any day between May 1 and September 17
The South Nation River is excellent for recreational canoeing and kayaking and offers five different canoe/kayak routes that highlight the history and natural features of the South Nation watershed. These routes begin in the village of Spencerville and end in Plantagenet, close in proximity to where the SNR empties into the Ottawa River. This year, we challenge you to paddle the Nation! By yourself or with a group, explore the five canoe and kayak routes that the South Nation River has to offer. Each route takes about a day to complete. To enter the challenge, you must submit a completed Official Log, which can be downloaded from www.nation.on.ca Prizes include paddles, equipment bags, and much more! All entries must be submitted no later than Friday, September 17th, 2010.
Bleasdell Boulder Trail Opening
Bleasdell Boulder Conservation Area (near Trenton) Lower Trent Conservation
September 2010
Day and time to be announced
Join us at Bleasdell Boulder Conservation Area for the official opening of a new trail link to the Lower Trent Trail, a 17 kilometre non-motorized trail along the former rail bed stretching from Trenton and Glen Ross. This event will also provide a great opportunity for those who have never seen the ‘Boulder’ to take a journey through time with a short hike to the one of the largest known glacial erratics in North America estimated to be 2.3 billion years old. For more details on this event, visit www.ltc.on.ca or call 613-394-4829
A Geocaching Adventure
Lorne C. Henderson Conservation Area
St. Clair Conservation Authority
Sunday, September 12
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Explore L.C. Henderson Conservation Area with a “Geocaching Twist” Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt which uses a global positioning system (GPS) unit to locate a hidden cache (treasure). Walk along the trails of the 115 hectare wetlands/forested habitat and bring your GPS receiver to discover the excitement of Geocaching . A limited number of GPS receivers will be available to borrow. A laptop will be set up to upload the coordinates to your GPS (if your GPS needs a special cable please bring it). More Information: www.scrca.on.ca/Events.htm
Trails Open at The Greenock Swamp
The Greenock Swamp (southern Ontario’s single largest forested wetland)
Saugeen Conservation
Saturday, September 25
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Staff will host Trails Open at Schmidt Lake in the Greenock Swamp.Visitors to the site will be greeted in the parking lot where staff will provide a brief talk on the amazing history of this vast swamp and its role in the settlement of the area. Afterwards staff will guide visitors down the trail to the viewing platform at Schmidt Lake where they can take in the fabulous view of this serene lake. To get to Schmidt Lake, take Bruce Co. Rd. #3 north to Dunkeld, turn left (west) to Chepstow (Conc. #6). Turn right (north) at main corner in Chepstow and turn left on Conc. #8 - follow to parking lot). For more information go towww.svca.on.ca or call 519-364-1255 ext. #29.
Trails Open at Ganaraska Forest Centre
Ganaraska Forest Centre
Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority
Saturday, September 25
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Join the staff of the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority at the Ganaraska Forest Centre for a fun filled day of activities including horse drawn wagon rides and hiking tours through the 11,000 acre Ganaraska Forest, food and refreshments, crafts, music, face painting, and much, much more! Please wear appropriate footwear to hike through the forest. Ganaraska Forest Centre is located at 10585 Cold Springs Camp Road, Campbellcroft, ON. For further information, please contact the Ganaraska Forest Centre at 905.797.2721.
Doors Open Brant Trails at Apps' Mill Nature Centre Grand River Conservation Authority Saturday, September 25
10:00 am to 4:00 pm Interpretive guided hikes through this historic Apps Mill property near Brantford. Kids nature crafts and "stream slosh" activities. For more information http://www.grandriver.ca/index/document.cfm?Sec=3&Sub1=15
Cataraqui Trail Bike and Hike
The Cataraqui Trail
Cataraqui Trail Management Board of the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority
September 25, 2010
10:30 a.m. to completion
The Cataraqui Trail Management Board hosts its annual Bike and Hike in the Perth Road Village-Chaffeys Locks-Portland area. This is a fundraiser for the whole family supporting improvements to the Cataraqui Trail. Participants solicit pledges then select from three cycle routes (13 km, 33 km or 37 km) or a five km hike, matching difficulty to individual abilities. Participants should bring water. Call (613) 546-4228 ext. 304 and leave a message for more information. Register at the start of the event. A lunch will be served at the Chaffeys Lock Community Hall. Pledge forms available at www.cataraquiregion.on.ca
Timmins Hiking Day – Trails Open Hersey Lake Conservation Area
Mattagami Region Conservation Authority and the Wintergreen Fund for Conservation
Sunday, September 26
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
The Mattagami Region Conservation Authority and the Wintergreen Fund for Conservation are inviting City residents to come out to the Hersey Lake Conservation Area on Sunday, September 26, 2010 at 10 am to participate in Timmins Hiking Day. The event is part of the Province’s Trails Open celebration and is designed to highlight our community trail system and the many health benefits associated with walking and cycling. Volunteers will be on hand to lead several guided hikes of differing lengths while describing some of the unique plants and animals we have here in Northern Ontario. Please make sure you dress for the weather and bring sturdy footwear. There will be several outdoor exhibits and staff will be on hand to answer any of your questions. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, visit http://mrca.timmins.ca or call (705) 360-2660. Please meet next to the picnic shelter at the Hersey Lake Conservation Area.
OCTOBER
Tiny Treks
Mountsberg Conservation Area
Conservation Halton
Every Saturday and Sunday to October 31st
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
The perfect outing for you and your little one! From 11am-12pm enjoy crafts and kid friendly treks as we explore Mountsberg's birds, pond, forest and barn yard! Follow up your tiny trek with a romp in the playbarn and then take in a bird of prey show (12pm & 2pm). Tiny treks are suitable for children age 3-7 and their families. Little brothers and sisters are also welcome! This event is free of charge but park entrance fees apply. Meet at the Visitor Centre, 2259 Millburough Line, Campbellville. GPS Coordinates: 43.463 -80.025For information: www.conservationhalton.on.ca
Doors Open at the Yarmouth Natural Heritage Area (YNHA)
Yarmouth Natural Heritage Area
Catfish Creek Conservation Authority
Saturday, October 2
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
There will be guided tours by CCCA staff and independent hiking on four new trails. Wander through more than 200 acres of Carolinian Forest and see the Herb Kebbel Wetland and all its wildlife. Free Interpretive Trail Guides will be provided. Participants please bring water and foot gear. More information is available at the Catfish Creek Conservation Authority, 8079 Springwater Road, Aylmer, ON, N5H2R4. Call 519-773-9037 or e-mail
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. The gate to the Yarmouth Natural Heritage Area is located on the north side of the Sparta Line, two kilometers east of the historic Village of Sparta at the bridge that crosses Catfish Creek.
Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day
Kelso Conservation Area
Conservation Halton
Saturday October 2
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Kelso Mountain Bike Staff will host young riders, ages 6 to 16, for a youth mountain biking event. The ride is part of a nationwide celebration known as Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day, supported by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA).
Mountain Bike Guides will be leading group rides through the trails at various times throughout the day catering to all ages and abilities. We’ve got a supervised Skills Park, which will have a plethora of features and stunts to ride over and off of.
Instructors will also be on hand to offer tips and guidance in the Skills Park. As well, attending local bike stores will be offering bike safety checks, bike demos, and general bicycle advice. Dress for the outdoors; bring your bike and an approved bicycle helmet. This event is free of charge but park entrance fees apply. Meet at the Summit Entrance of Kelso Conservation Area, Steeles Avenue West, near Milton, Ontario. GPS Coordinates: 43.496114,-79.922919t. For more information contact Roger Howison: 905 878 5011 ext 243 or go to http://www.conservationhalton.com/eventsearch.cfm or www.imba.com/resources/kids/index.html
Fall Colour Tour at Wawanosh Valley Conservation Area
Wawanosh Valley Conservation Area
Maitland Valley Conservation Authority
Sunday, October 3
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
As part of the annual Fall Colour Tour, Maitland Valley staff will be celebrating Trails Open with a guided walk along the Maitland River Trail. The hike leaves from the Nature Centre at 2:00 pm and will be approximately 1 hour in length. The terrain is moderate featuring rolling hills, old field meadows and forest cover. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Stop by the Nature Centre after the hike for hot apple cider, displays and children's activities. Wawanosh Valley is located at 38854 Nature Centre Rd., Township of North Huron. For more information visit www.mvca.on.ca or call 519 335-3557. GPS Coordinates: 17T 0463250 4852589
Fall into Nature – Conservation Halton
Kelso, Rattlesnake Point, Mount Nemo, Crawford Lake, Hilton Falls, Mountsberg
Conservation Halton
October 9, 10, 11, 16, 17
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
"Fall into Nature" is a festival that celebrates the natural beauty and colours of our Escarpment Parks. The event will encourage exploring a variety of unique outdoor experiences including;
- chair lift ride to the top of the escarpment with spectacular views of the fall colours
- self-guided and interpretor led guided tours through our many trails and landscapes
- live performances (music, First Nations Dancers)
- demonstrations (climbing, geocaching, canoeing)
- activities (childrens activities, educational and interactive programs, BBQ) A wide array of activities for all ages and interests are being offered. Each park will have a welcome centre with further details available. A fee for a passport to all the parks is required. Park & Go provided at Kelso and Mountsberg parking lots. Visit www.fallintonature.ca or www.conservationhalton.ca for more information.
Fall Colours Weekend
Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area
Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority
Sunday, October 10 and Monday October 11
Wagon rides: 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Puppet shows: 1:30 and 2:30 pm
Come enjoy autumn’s colours in the bracing fall air on a wagon ride back to our sugar bush. Bring your kids to our puppet show as a special feature of the weekend. Enjoy some pie and cider at the Outdoor Centre canteen. Entry fees apply. They are: $4.75 per person for adults and children over 12 and $2.50 per child 12 and under. For more information go to www.cataraquiregion.on.ca
The Spirit Trail - Supernatural Hike
MacNaughton Park
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority and Friends of the South Huron Trail
Friday, October 22, 2010
Guided Hikes start at 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm This free event is part of the award-winning Doors Open Haunted Huron. It is ideal for adults and supervised children. Walk the Spirit Trail and hear stories from the watershed's early peoples and pioneers. For more information phone 519-235-2610 or 1-888-286-2610 or go to: www.hauntehuron.com or www.abca.on.ca .
Terra Cotta Conservation Area,
Credit Valley Conservation Authority